Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The best access for walk-in fishing is Red Lake Preserve.

Follow the Red Lake trail out to the point and you can fish along the 2,500 feet of Red Lake’s rocky shoreline. Please remember to “leave no trace.” What you take in, you carry out and LEAD KILLS. No lead tackle should be utilized on any of the IRLC lakes!

The IRLC encourages you to enjoy our preserves with friends and family, which includes your leashed, furry K-9 friends!

There is one pet waste receptacle located at Redwood Hill Preserve. At other preserves, pet owners will need to carry out pet waste.

There is adequate parking at all trailheads. If IRLC is hosting an event at a preserve, parking will be sparse, however, staff and volunteers are on-hand to show you overflow parking options.

As with every outdoor outing, be prepared by checking the weather ahead of time.

Wear comfortable footwear appropriate for wetlands or boggy areas of the trails.  Wear clothing that can be layered, use bug spray with tick repellent, wear sunscreen, and bring water. Remembering any allergy medicines and fully-charged phones is a plus!

The Redwood Hill Preserve is, by far, the crowned jewel of the IRLC.

Its Beatrice Rosamond trail is ADA compliant, has a composting toilet, a Trailside Learning Center, Overlook Deck with picnic tables, and other trails the entire family can enjoy! All other preserves should be visited first to determine if they’re fit for their entire family to enjoy!

No. Public swimming is not allowed due to liability concerns, no full-time lifeguards, and/or the infrastructure to support swimming.

The IRLC does not allow foraging, however, we have programs to teach about foraging as certain species become available.

• Trails are chosen to provide the safest and best experience at our preserves.
• The IRLC does not allow for excursions “off trail,” climbing on rocks or trees or otherwise embarking in dangerous activities.
• Getting emergency responders to a site promptly is difficult, at best.

Every season is absolutely beautiful and provides opportunities for discovery and exploration.

• Peak seasons are during the months of May for the peak bird migration and breeding activity.
• September and October offer splendid fall weather, minimal bugs, and plenty of fall colors to enjoy.
• Wintertime offers surreal snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.